Winds Of Nagual - Michael Colgrass

Disclaimer: I own nothing. The audio content of this video is the property of the Ohio State University Wind Symphony and Naxos Records.

I. The Desert: Don Juan Emerges From The Mountains
Carlos Meets Don Juan (3:32)
II. Don Genaro Appears (4:27)
Don Genaro Satirizes Carlos (5:27)
III. Carlos Stares At The Water And Becomes A Bubble (6:53)
IV. The Gait Of Power (9:49)
V. Asking Twilight For Calmness And Power (12:01)
VI. Don Juan Clowns For Carlos (17:50)
VII. Last Conversation And Farewell (20:26)

While primarily known for his orchestral works, Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer Michael Colgrass made a major contribution to the band world when he wrote "Winds Of Nagual," a huge programmatic work for wind ensemble. Based on the writings of Carlos Castaneda, "Winds Of Nagual" tells the story of Don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian "brujo" (Spanish for sorcerer or medicine man) who imparts wisdom and heals people wherever he goes. Castaneda claims that the story is based on his own experience, and that he encountered this healer while studying anthropology at UCLA in the 1960's. As such, the story is told from the perspective of Castaneda through a character named Carlos. The scoring for the piece is rather large, including six Bb clarinet parts, six trombone parts (two of which are preferably played with bass trombone), six trumpet parts (two of which double cornet), a flugelhorn part, three flute parts (two of which double alto flute, and all three double piccolo), and an extensive array of percussion instruments.

Performed by the Ohio State University Wind Symphony, taken from their album "Winds Of Nagual."

Russel C. Mikkelson, Conductor